Smith to chair Edinburgh Film Festival

Producer Iain Smith is to take the helm of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Smith, whose credits include Seven Years In Tibet and Children Of Men, will take over from John McCormick later this week, reportsThe Hollywood Reporter.

The incoming chairman said: "In these changing times the festival will be leading the way towards the discovery and showcasing of new talent and ideas in both a local and an international context."

In his 11 years as chairman, McCormick led the organisation through various changes including the decision to move the event to earlier in the year.